He was born in Barrackpore, India, the son of Dr. John Browne, a surgeon of the Bengal Medical Service and his wife Charlotte (née Swinton).

His citation reads: For having at Seerporah, in an engagement with the Rebel Forces under Khan Allie Khan, on 31 August 1858, whilst advancing upon the Enemy's position, at day break, pushed on with one orderly Sowar upon a nine-pounder gun that was commanding one of the approaches to the enemy's position, and attacked the gunners, thereby preventing them from re-loading, and firing upon the Infantry, who were advancing to the attack.

The gun was prevented from being re-loaded, and was eventually captured by the Infantry, and the gunner slain.His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum.

After entering Afghanistan via the Khyber Pass, and defeating the Afghan army at the battle of Ali Masjid on 21 November 1878, he occupied Jalalabad on 20 December.

Although criticised by the viceroy Lord Lytton for the slow pace of his advance,[1] Browne was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)[7] and received the thanks of both Parliament and the government of India for his Afghan service.